In recent years, the world has witnessed a disturbing trend of violence against Christians, particularly in Nigeria. The Palm Sunday and Holy Week attacks on Nigerian Christians have once again brought this issue to the forefront. However, what is even more concerning is the lack of mainstream media coverage of these horrific events.
On April 14th, 2019, as Christians around the world celebrated Palm Sunday, a day that marks the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, the city of Kano in Nigeria was rocked by a bomb blast at a Catholic church. The explosion killed at least 20 people and injured many more. This was followed by a series of attacks during Holy Week, including the abduction of a Catholic priest and the killing of four worshippers during a Good Friday service. These attacks were carried out by the terrorist group Boko Haram, who has been targeting Christians in Nigeria for years.
Despite the severity of these attacks, the mainstream media has largely remained silent. It is both shocking and disappointing that such a significant event, which has claimed the lives of innocent people, has not received the attention it deserves. The lack of coverage by major news outlets is a failure on their part and a disservice to the victims and their families.
The media has a responsibility to report on events that affect people’s lives, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality. However, it seems that the lives of Nigerian Christians do not matter to them. The mainstream media has failed to give a voice to the victims and bring attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This lack of coverage is not only a disservice to the victims but also perpetuates the ignorance surrounding this issue.
The Palm Sunday and Holy Week attacks are not isolated incidents. They are part of a larger pattern of violence against Christians in Nigeria. According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, at least 3,462 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in the past four years. This number is likely much higher as many cases go unreported. Christians in Nigeria have faced kidnappings, bombings, and brutal killings at the hands of Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen. Yet, the mainstream media remains silent.
The lack of coverage of these attacks is not only a failure on the part of the media but also a reflection of a larger issue – the lack of concern for the persecution of Christians in the world. While the media is quick to report on any attacks on other religious groups, the same cannot be said for Christians. This double standard is unacceptable and must be addressed.
The media’s silence is also a disservice to the Nigerian government, which has been struggling to combat the terrorist groups responsible for these attacks. The lack of coverage gives the impression that the Nigerian government is not doing enough to protect its citizens, when in reality, they have been actively working to address the issue. By not reporting on these attacks, the media is hindering the efforts of the government to seek justice for the victims and prevent future attacks.
In the midst of this tragedy, there is a glimmer of hope. The Gateway Pundit, a conservative news website, was one of the few outlets that covered the Palm Sunday and Holy Week attacks in Nigeria. Their coverage shed light on these events and brought attention to the ongoing persecution of Christians in the country. It is heartening to see that there are still media outlets that prioritize reporting the truth, regardless of political agendas.
In conclusion, the lack of mainstream media coverage of the Palm Sunday and Holy Week attacks on Nigerian Christians is a failure on their part. It is a failure to report on events that affect people’s lives, a failure to give a voice to the victims, and a failure to address the ongoing persecution of Christians in the world. The media must do better and give equal coverage to all victims of violence, regardless of their religion. We must not forget the lives lost in these attacks and continue to shine a light on the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
